I Killed the Demon King. It Was a Mistake. Chapter 90

I Killed the Demon King. It Was a Mistake.

Chapter 90

Mitchell pulled out a red cigar from his chest.

“This is a cigar made from dried magic leaves. The taste is quite good, try smoking it.”

Caesar accepted Mitchell’s cigar.

And he used psychometry.

He was suspicious if there might be poison or something applied to it.

After all, this guy is a madman who goes beyond saying ‘If I can’t have it, I’ll destroy it!‘ to actually doing it.

‘Fortunately, there’s no poison.’

Well, no matter if he’s the young master of the Redfield family and a friend of the hero, there’s no way he could bring poison into the imperial palace.

Caesar cut the end with the cigar cutter on the table, lit it, and took a drag.

“Oh…”

“How is it? Not bad, right?”

“Not just the taste, but it feels healthy.”

It’s not just empty words, it’s really good.

Could it be that it has a refreshing scent and taste that can’t be found in regular cigars?

The taste is too distinct to smoke often, so it might be better to smoke it occasionally for a change of mood.

“Since you like it, I’ll send you a box.”

“Thank you.”

This probably isn’t just some petty attempt to win Caesar’s favor.

Mitchell knew very well that since he sent a gift, Caesar would have to reciprocate soon, and as gifts and letters asking about each other’s well being increased, they would become ‘close connections.’

Actually, when it came to Barre too, I did receive medicine from Mitchell… What did I do then?

-I’ll eat well. Chomp chomp.

Barre just wolfed it down and ghosted him.

I heard that after that, Mitchell treated Barre like a complete barbarian.

But what can you do when that’s just Barre’s real personality?

To barbarians, gifts are like tributes that the weak give to the strong.

“I heard you were at the party? Is that right?”

“If you mean the magician’s welcome party, that’s correct.”

“I wish I had the chance to chat with you then. In a more comfortable atmosphere. Why didn’t you come find me?”

-Miles definitely said Caesar wasn’t ripe yet.

-Miles said he would control him, but strangely, Miles didn’t show confidence when it came to Caesar’s issues.

-What kind of deal did Miles make with Caesar alone?

-Let’s hear exactly what happened.

This paranoid bastard is at it again.

He thought Miles was deliberately preventing Caesar and Mitchell from meeting.

He probably suspects that Miles is either intentionally increasing Caesar’s value or that there’s some kind of deal between Caesar and Miles.

There’s a straightforward answer that works with guys like this.

“Because I would have been uncomfortable.”

“…What did you say?”

“If we had met at the party then, I would have been uncomfortable.”

Mitchell’s composed expression cracked slightly as if doubting his ears.

“May I know why you think that?”

“Lord Miles conveyed the Redfield family’s proposal to me on your behalf. That if I joined under the Redfield family, you would grant me a noble title. Are you aware of this fact?”

Mitchell took a drag on his cigar and fell into thought for a moment.

-Of course I know.

-Because I proposed it.

-And I heard from the Prime Minister that Caesar doesn’t want to let go of his influence.

-But if I bring that up directly, it would openly show the close relationship between the Prime Minister and me.

-What should I do?

-Let’s acknowledge it first.

“That’s correct.”

Caesar decided to show some of his cards for smooth conversation with this guy.

“You must also know that I declined.”

“I do know. Why did you do that?”

“If I become a noble… No, if I receive someone’s protection, I would lose too much.”

“Lose?”

Mitchell burst into laughter as if he found the answer novel.

Although he didn’t need to be surprised since he knew what Caesar wanted, he thought some acting was necessary to hide his surprise.

That would be the right response.

“I’d like to hear in detail why you think so.”

“If I become a noble under the Redfield family, I would have to leave my base in Homigraph and start anew in Redfield province.”

“If you want to stay in Homigraph, you’re welcome to stay.”

“Then the way people look at me would change. Wherever I move, people wouldn’t think it was ‘Caesar’s’ doing but rather the ‘Redfield family’s’ will.”

Mitchell took a drag on his cigar and began to think.

-Now that I hear directly what Caesar wants, I understand.

-Caesar wants a deal, not subordination.

-It’s the same as what the Prime Minister said.

-He’s bold and strong.

“In this chaotic world, protecting oneself alone with one’s own power is very difficult and lonely. Especially with the malaria treatment issue you’re trying to pursue.”

“I understand that completely.”

“Is that why you chose the Empire? To ask His Majesty the Emperor to block the Royder Order’s pressure on malaria treatment production?”

“I wasn’t planning to ask for definite help with malaria treatment production just by briefing. Because His Majesty the Emperor would have too much to lose that way.”

Mitchell laughed as if finding it amusing.

“I heard quite a bit from Miles, and you’re quite sharp. Then what do you plan to trade with His Majesty the Emperor?”

“I’ll ask him to raise my reputation.”

“Reputation?”

Caesar took a drag on the cigar and exhaled.

It feels like his head is getting clearer.

“While briefing, I’ll simultaneously request His Majesty to improve the treatment of mutants and orphans who suffered from the Freak show leaders. Building orphanages and finding new jobs for mutants to live normal lives. Or it wouldn’t be bad to ask for the creation of a circus troupe composed of pure mutants.”

“…And you’ll add your name to that?”

“That’s right. The orphanages must include my name or symbol. If a mutant circus troupe is operated, my name will be there too. He should be able to grant that much.”

Mitchell took a drag on his cigar, hiding a sigh of admiration.

-So he plans to expand the Caesar brand throughout the Empire.

-If that happens, when Caesar starts producing malaria treatment, the Royder Order will find it difficult to criticize him freely.

-Since Caesar has already been praised as a ‘great person’ by the Dre Order and received official praise from the Emperor, it would be too risky for the Royder Order to criticize freely.

-They’re more likely to face criticism themselves.

-The malaria treatment is definitely effective.

-It’s such a perfect scenario.

-However, this script lacks one thing.

Mitchell opened his mouth.

“What you dream of won’t be as easy as you think. The Empire isn’t in a position to feed orphans right now.”

Caesar read Mitchell’s thoughts and realized his oversight.

“Is it because of the poor financial situation?”

“You know well.”

The Empire is already struggling to handle various debts, starting with the ‘costs’ of knights used by nobles.

And now talking about establishing orphanages and job centers?

There was a high chance they wouldn’t even break ground despite saying they’d establish them.

Mitchell placed his hand on his chest and said:

“Instead, I can help. I can make it possible to proceed with establishing circus troupes and orphanages bearing your name as early as tomorrow.”

Oh, I missed this.

Indeed, I’m a bit weak on details.

Caesar thought for a moment before speaking.

“Are you saying you’ll open something like a sponsorship?”

“Just sponsorship? There are quite a few businesses and nobles who benefited from this demon realm war. I’ll draw out their active support.”

“You wouldn’t be backing me out of pure goodwill, right?”

“Are you seeing me as someone without blood or tears? That’s too harsh.”

When Mitchell gave a mischievous smile, Caesar laughed casually.

What scheme does this snake-like guy have?

You’re not that kind of person.

-Just weakening the Royder Order’s influence alone is beneficial.

-The Royder Order is being criticized from many places due to the current potion supply shortage.

-At the same time, it’s become clear they can’t wage large-scale wars like the demon realm war.

-If Caesar unleashes a barrage of attacks against the Royder Order, they’ll surely reveal big weaknesses.

-I can grab and shake that.

-The key here is that it shouldn’t look like the Redfield family is directly involved, but rather Caesar solving everything alone. Then the Redfield family doesn’t need to be officially revealed.

-Perfect composition.

I think I know what picture this bastard is painting.

In short, he wants to use Caesar to reduce the influence of the Royder Order, which is a one-trick pony with potions.

Originally, stocks make more profit in crashes than in surges.

Mitchell intends to break through that gap.

“However, I’d like to put some of my shares in the pharmaceutical company you’ll establish.”

And the moment the malaria treatment spreads nationwide, Mitchell’s influence over the Redfield family will also surge.

This is quite monstrous.

Caesar thought.

Mitchell isn’t without thoughts of controlling Caesar.

But he judged that now isn’t the time.

He sees Caesar as more valuable when aligned rather than under his control.

Just as Hilos thought so.

If he’s being this nice, I should pretend to understand to some extent.

“You’ll need to use a nominal owner for now, right?”

Mitchell chuckled.

“It feels like you went into my mind and came back out.”

It’s not a bad proposal from Caesar’s perspective either.

Caesar doesn’t want to get the image of officially being under someone’s protection.

Caesar’s value needs to rise even more.

But if Mitchell supports from the shadows?

That’s really good.

Caesar took a drag on the cigar before speaking.

“Alright. Send reliable working-level staff for the details. Let’s draw up a clean contract.”

When Mitchell extended his hand, Caesar politely put down his cigar and accepted the handshake.

-This kind of business relationship isn’t bad at all.

-The key will be how much driving force comes out…

-Let’s try using it for now.

Caesar smiled with satisfaction.

Because he gained one more means to protect against pressure from the Royder Order.

***

Caesar took a deep breath.

The Emperor is beyond that door.

The supreme ruler of this Empire and the one who receives the worship of all people.

To kneel on one knee before such a monster and report directly.

No matter how much it’s Caesar, there’s no way he wouldn’t be nervous.

“Ughh”

The massive door opened, and brilliant golden light enveloped Caesar.

And there, far away at the highest place, sat the old emperor wearing a dazzling crown, looking down at Caesar.

Caesar’s heart pounded involuntarily at the overwhelming sight.

This too was probably a calculated arrangement.

It was designed to instill automatic reverence in foreign diplomats or haughty nobles.

‘Don’t get intimidated.’

Caesar stepped confidently onto the red carpet.

Right now, no matter what, Caesar was the protagonist.

Despite the surprisingly large number of ministers and nobles gathered in the audience chamber, not even a whisper could be heard.

Only Caesar’s confident footsteps echoed throughout the hall.

Caesar immediately knelt on one knee upon reaching the gold line, 10 meters away – the closest one could get to the emperor.

“I, Caesar Sylvatil, a knight served by none, come before Your Imperial Majesty.”

The emperor spoke.

“As I heard, you have an impressive build. Raise your head and show your face to me.”

Caesar lifted only his face while keeping his eyes lowered.

Looking directly at the emperor’s face was only permitted when the emperor granted permission.

“You’re young. Splendid, overflowing with spirit, and confidence shows through as well. I deeply envy how well you’re utilizing that youth.”

“I am overwhelmed by your grace, Your Majesty.”

Caesar knew very well that those words weren’t mere praise but sincere.

After all, the emperor truly dreamed of rejuvenation and immortality.

“Now then, report to me everything you have seen and heard.”

Caesar took a breath before slowly beginning to speak.

“As per Your Majesty’s command, together with Sir Hudson of the Dawn Knights, I passed judgment on the Freak show Circus that attempted to illegally purchase demon race. During this, I personally witnessed the circus master controlling devils using methods learned from those who call themselves ‘Prophets’.”

The emperor looked at Hudson, who stood guard inside the gold line, and spoke.

“Is this statement true?”

“Yes. It is, Your Majesty.”

When the ministers showed slight agitation, the emperor raised his hand to quiet them.

“Caesar, continue speaking.”

“Since the devil had a single horn on its head, we were able to handle it without much difficulty, but I believe it would become a major problem if an army of devils were to be organized. Therefore, I request that you demonstrate imperial dignity and ensure the peace of the empire by erasing the Freak show Circus from existence.”

The emperor stood up and spoke.

“I declare to all my subjects throughout the nation. Know that all who can wield a sword or hold a plow must rise and purge those who threaten the empire. This is not just about the wicked ones who control devils.”

Caesar blinked at the emperor’s unexpected words.

Other ministers also looked at the emperor with surprised eyes, apparently not having anticipated this.

“Lawless ones run rampant throughout the empire, and they are all my enemies. If they show repentance, I shall not raise the rod, but if they continue to disturb my peace of mind, I will surely tear them to death. This is my command.”

It was already widely known that the empire was in turmoil because of outlaws.

However, the emperor had never once personally acknowledged that there was unrest within the empire.

Because the moment he acknowledged this, it would be like admitting that the empire wasn’t functioning properly.

But this time, the emperor planned to use this opportunity to use the nobles’ knight orders to clean up all the outlaws.

‘He’s crazy.‘

Once nobles start moving directly to kill outlaws, warlordism will accelerate as military cliques emerge.

Didn’t this happen in the Three Kingdoms period when the ‘Yellow Turbans Bandits‘ emerged, and local warlords and nobles gained power while cleaning them up?

This was no different from the emperor cutting his own flesh.

Why on earth did he do such a thing?

Has he really gone senile?

“Caesar Sylvatil, listen.”

“…Yes, Your Majesty.”

“I shall give you the authority to personally pass judgment on all outlaws throughout the empire as my vanguard.”

A eunuch brought a red shield-shaped badge.

“Become my rod of discipline and teach the ignorant.”

Caesar looked at the badge.

In the center was the imperial eagle along with the title ‘Federal Marshal’.

Caesar accepted the marshal’s badge.

“I am overwhelmed by your grace, Your Majesty.”

So this is the reward for what I told the Prime Minister.

This is extremely good.

From now on, regardless of who they are, I have the absolute authority to either execute on the spot or detain anyone who commits a crime within the empire.

This applies regardless of noble status or whatever.

My words will be the emperor’s words, and my axe will be the emperor’s axe.

“Your humble servant has one request to make to Your Imperial Majesty.”

“Is that not enough?”

“That is not it, but while passing judgment on Your Majesty’s enemies, I heard the groans of your subjects. They are all orphaned and broken under the whips and clubs of the wicked ones.” Caesar lowered his head. “If possible, I wish to create an orphanage for them and a living space for mutants who are broken and injured. Please grant your permission.”

The emperor listened briefly to a eunuch’s words and nodded.

“I have heard what you wish to do. While you are a fierce axe against my enemies, your gaze is directed toward the pitiful subjects, so I shall grant permission.”

“I am overwhelmed by your grace, Your Majesty.”

Caesar bowed deeply once more.

He had gotten everything he could from the emperor.

Now all that remained was devil hunting.

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